By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
In a moment that could be remembered in EuroLeague history, legendary coaches, former allies and rivals, Željko Obradović and Vassilis Spanoulis embraced publicly for the first time in over 15 years.
The gesture came after Partizan’s dramatic 78-76 victory over Monaco in Belgrade, a game that ended with Mike James missing a potential game-winning shot for the visitors. The hug, however, quickly became the defining image of the night.
Obradović and Spanoulis, two of the most iconic figures in European basketball, had not publicly shared such a warm moment since the summer of 2010, when Spanoulis made the controversial decision to leave Panathinaikos and join archrival Olympiacos. Since then, their relationship seemed distant and formal.
The ice finally broke in the Belgrade Arena. As the post-game handshake began, Obradović pulled Spanoulis into a heartfelt embrace. Spanoulis appeared momentarily surprised, before the two exchanged a few private words.
When asked by reporters about the encounter, Obradović kept it brief but meaningful: “It was something intimate.”
While the details of their conversation remain private, the hug itself spoke volumes, marking the reconciliation of two of EuroLeague’s most influential figures.
Fans and basketball historians alike may one day learn the words behind this emotional reunion, but for now, the image of Obradović and Spanoulis embracing after a tense, hard-fought game has already entered EuroLeague lore.